Affordable Autumn Getaways: Shinkansen Tickets at Half Price!

HOKKAIDO, Sep 17 (News On Japan) - The autumn travel season is finally here! In Hokkaido, Japan's 'earliest autumn leaves' have begun to appear. With many long weekends this fall, travel demand is expected to rise. We have thoroughly researched ways to travel affordably!

Anchor Masatoshi Namba: "This fall, many of you might be planning a trip, but we all share the same goal—to travel as cheaply as possible, right? We’ve looked into how to make travel more affordable."

JR East's "Tokudane Special 21" e-tickets offer Shinkansen tickets for half price for a one-way trip per adult. For example:

- Tokyo to Toyama: Y12,760 → Y6,380
- Tokyo to Kanazawa: Y14,180 → Y7,090
- Tokyo to Fukui: Y15,610 → Y7,800

The eligible routes cover Shinkansen stations in the three Hokuriku prefectures, departing from Tokyo, Ueno, or Omiya.

It’s limited to "Eki-Net" members, so you must sign up for the Eki-Net service.

- Travel Period: October 15 to 31 This starts right after the long weekend in October.
- Sales Period: From 1 month to 21 days prior to the travel date.

That means you can book a ticket for October 16 starting on Monday, but as of September 16, the tickets have already sold out (as of 6:20 p.m.).

However, you can make "pre-orders" a week before the sale date, which increases your chances of securing a ticket.

ANA's Web-Only Sale: Fly to Okinawa for Y10,000

If you prefer flying, ANA is offering the "ANA Super Value Sale."

- Tokyo (Haneda) to Sapporo (New Chitose): Y7,700～
- Tokyo (Haneda) to Osaka (Itami): Y7,000～
- Tokyo (Haneda) to Okinawa (Naha): Y9,500～

All these fares are under Y10,000. The sale is available exclusively on ANA's website.

- Travel Period: November 1 to February 28, 2025 (excluding the New Year holiday period).
- Sales Period: Until 11:59 p.m. on September 18.

Hotel critic Nobuaki Takizawa explains, "It’s difficult to find cheap accommodations in hotels and ryokan right now." However, sometimes the official websites offer lower prices than booking sites, along with perks like complimentary drinks or early check-in.

Interestingly, last month I traveled and found that booking directly through a hotel’s phone line saved me Y500 compared to booking through a travel site. Skipping the middleman might be the cheaper option after all.

Source: TBS

One Month to Expo: Just 20% of Overseas Pavilions Completed

With one month to go until the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, construction work is accelerating at the venue as delays in pavilion building continue to pose challenges.

A Journey Through Nagahama: Tracing the Legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Nagahama, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to numerous sites connected to the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From Nagahama Castle, where visitors can view Hideyoshi’s handwritten documents and the scenery he once gazed upon, to Kunitomo, a major center of firearm production that supported Japan’s unification, the area offers a rich tapestry of historical insights.

Final Chapter for 'Bōsōzoku'?

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

Osaka Installs 2-Meter Fence Under Glico Sign

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues.

Japan’s 'Most Dangerous' Zoo to Close in September Over Legal Issues

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Ninja Campaign Targets Overtourism

Efforts to tackle overtourism in Otaru, Hokkaido, have taken an unconventional turn, as local youth have adopted a ninja persona to urge tourists to follow proper etiquette.

Exploring Japan? Here's Why You Need eSIM for Travel

Japan is a country brimming with tradition, technology, and natural beauty. Whether you’re soaking in the serene beauty of Kyoto’s temples, shopping in the buzzing streets of Tokyo, or hiking the majestic Mt. Fuji, staying connected is crucial.

Yellow Dust Headed for Japan: Impact on Allergies and Air Quality

A yellow dust storm originating in China has led to the first warning of the year, with forecasts predicting its arrival in Japan, particularly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

Abandoned Hospital Becomes Haunted Hotspot

An abandoned hospital in Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, has become a popular destination for ghost hunters, causing concern among local residents. The former Himekawa Hospital, which closed in 2007 due to financial struggles, has been vandalized, with broken windows, graffiti, and frequent trespassing.